Ethan Magoc photo: Mercyhurst College senior Dean Atkins and the rest of the men’s soccer team plan to get back on track this week as they face cross-town Gannon University.The Mercyhurst men’s soccer team’s impressive unbeaten streak came to an end this weekend.

After 15 games without a loss, Millersville University found a way to get by the Lakers, 1-0, in overtime.

Even with the loss, Mercyhurst still holds a striking record of 12-1-3 and remains ranked No. 1 in the region.

The Lakers will be looking to bounce back as quickly as possible when they face Slippery Rock in a conference match today.

“We need to bounce back by having quality practice sessions and then get on Slippery Rock early, which we haven’t done in the last few games,” said sophomore Nate Stern. “We have let our opponents hang around. We need to get in and get goals early.”

There has been a strong sense of togetherness and unity that has led to the Lakers’ fine record this year, says Stern.

“We have a strong sense of unity on and off the field. We’re very together with what we want to do. Everyone is over-concerned about the team morale,” said Stern.

Stern also admits the team is very honest with each other.

“Nothing lies beneath the surface,” he says. “We’re very open with each other and when something needs to be said, it gets said. Nothing is left for interpretation.”

The team’s character will now be tested to see if they can bounce back from the tough loss to Millersville.

Stern, though, is confident Mercyhurst will find a way back.

“We need to continue to show our unity more than ever now that we have lost,” Stern said. “We are human. We’re going to make mistakes. It’s very hard to be perfect, so everything we have spoken about this year is going to be put to the test.”

The men’s soccer team will have to recover quickly as they host cross-town rival Gannon University Sunday at 2 p.m.